1 hr. ago
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers remain uncertain whether designated hitter Shohei Ohtani will pitch again this season.
The two-way superstar hasn't pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps. Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday but was scratched from a potential start at Detroit two days later.
"I think physically he's in a good spot," manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. "I haven't heard otherwise as far as him ailing, whether it's the arm, the knee. Everything that he's told me and the training staff, he feels good."
Roberts said that until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen he won't know the next step in his pitching progression.
Asked if it's possible Ohtani won't pitch again this season, Roberts said, "It's an option."
#whether #season
The two-way superstar hasn't pitched in a game since July 3 because of lingering pain in his left knee and right biceps. Ohtani threw a 20-pitch bullpen session last Friday but was scratched from a potential start at Detroit two days later.
"I think physically he's in a good spot," manager Dave Roberts said Wednesday. "I haven't heard otherwise as far as him ailing, whether it's the arm, the knee. Everything that he's told me and the training staff, he feels good."
Roberts said that until he sees Ohtani throw another bullpen he won't know the next step in his pitching progression.
Asked if it's possible Ohtani won't pitch again this season, Roberts said, "It's an option."
#whether #season
1 hr. ago
Shohei Ohtani is expected to have an impact on the postseason as the Los Angeles Dodgers continue their quest for a World Series three-peat.
What opportunities Ohtani might have to make an impact remain uncertain.
Ohtani appeared to be trending in the right direction with his pitching progression, but that was put to a halt on Aug. 29. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that the team's two-way star would not be making a return as it was anticipated. The pitcher had thrown a 20-pitch bullpen just the day before.
In a Sept. 2 conversation with reporters, Roberts said the team is still considering shutting down Ohtani, but the Dodgers aren't ready to make that decision.
"I know he is in lockstep with (Mark Prior), the pitching guys, the training staff, but I think for me he has to throw a bullpen, then we will see the next progression," Roberts said.
#ohtani #progression #shohei
What opportunities Ohtani might have to make an impact remain uncertain.
Ohtani appeared to be trending in the right direction with his pitching progression, but that was put to a halt on Aug. 29. Dodgers manager Dave Roberts announced that the team's two-way star would not be making a return as it was anticipated. The pitcher had thrown a 20-pitch bullpen just the day before.
In a Sept. 2 conversation with reporters, Roberts said the team is still considering shutting down Ohtani, but the Dodgers aren't ready to make that decision.
"I know he is in lockstep with (Mark Prior), the pitching guys, the training staff, but I think for me he has to throw a bullpen, then we will see the next progression," Roberts said.
#ohtani #progression #shohei
21 hours ago
Week 1 of the NFL season is on the horizon and we're about to enter the REAL start of the college football season this weekend. But it's not too early to peek at the talent expected to hear their names called in the 2027 NFL Draft.
Here is my first big board, ranking players Nos. 1-31 and a list of 10 to watch who could break into the mix later this season. Why 31 instead of 30? You'll see why I gave both of those ranked players, each quarterbacks, some shine.
Manning is an excellent athlete with size. He plays with a proper timing on plays when working from the pocket, but he can also throw consistently on the move and has the toughness and core strength to get any throw off no matter his platform or how muddy the pocket is or how he is getting hit. He has a good arm that he unlocks because of his creativity, ability to anticipate and willingness to push the football down the field. Manning's quick throwing motion unlocks underneath throws and he already has advanced feel in the pocket. He constantly keeps his eyes downfield, which allows him to get the ball off and avoid sacks, turning negative plays to positive, or even explosive ones.
His progression as a player was overlooked last year after an early-season loss to Ohio State and Texas having to gut out several wins, but his play, along with his tools, indicated a future No. 1 draft pick despite what looked like lackluster performances. There's a lot of hype, but he looks like he's worth it.
A force of nature at receiver, Smith has been a standout player and absurdly productive at every level of his career. He is strong, explosive, and has an excellent build that allows him to bounce off tackles and constantly eat up yards after the catch. His power as a player makes him dangerous on in-breakers that allow him to build up speed and get downhill in a hurry, and his speed and burst out of breaks make him dangerous. Even without pristine route refinement, Smith is still dominant. It's hard to compare any athlete to Julio Jones, and welp, here we are with Smith. At worst you're looking at a Josh Gordon-like player.
#player #like
Here is my first big board, ranking players Nos. 1-31 and a list of 10 to watch who could break into the mix later this season. Why 31 instead of 30? You'll see why I gave both of those ranked players, each quarterbacks, some shine.
Manning is an excellent athlete with size. He plays with a proper timing on plays when working from the pocket, but he can also throw consistently on the move and has the toughness and core strength to get any throw off no matter his platform or how muddy the pocket is or how he is getting hit. He has a good arm that he unlocks because of his creativity, ability to anticipate and willingness to push the football down the field. Manning's quick throwing motion unlocks underneath throws and he already has advanced feel in the pocket. He constantly keeps his eyes downfield, which allows him to get the ball off and avoid sacks, turning negative plays to positive, or even explosive ones.
His progression as a player was overlooked last year after an early-season loss to Ohio State and Texas having to gut out several wins, but his play, along with his tools, indicated a future No. 1 draft pick despite what looked like lackluster performances. There's a lot of hype, but he looks like he's worth it.
A force of nature at receiver, Smith has been a standout player and absurdly productive at every level of his career. He is strong, explosive, and has an excellent build that allows him to bounce off tackles and constantly eat up yards after the catch. His power as a player makes him dangerous on in-breakers that allow him to build up speed and get downhill in a hurry, and his speed and burst out of breaks make him dangerous. Even without pristine route refinement, Smith is still dominant. It's hard to compare any athlete to Julio Jones, and welp, here we are with Smith. At worst you're looking at a Josh Gordon-like player.
#player #like
2 days ago
Newcastle United have signed forward Matias Fernandez-Pardo from Lille for an initial £51.4m.
Fernandez-Pardo flew into Tyneside on Monday night to have a medical and sign a long-term contract.
The 21-year-old said he was "very proud to be at such a big club" following talks with head coach Matthias Jaissle.
"He really showed how much he wanted me to be here," the Belgium international said.
"In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn't hesitate at all.
#jaissle
Fernandez-Pardo flew into Tyneside on Monday night to have a medical and sign a long-term contract.
The 21-year-old said he was "very proud to be at such a big club" following talks with head coach Matthias Jaissle.
"He really showed how much he wanted me to be here," the Belgium international said.
"In terms of my own career progression, it made complete sense to come so I didn't hesitate at all.
#jaissle
3 days ago
When the Arizona Cardinals announced their 53-man roster on Sunday, Aug. 30, it laid bare the cracks in this team's foundation. At multiple key spots, the Cardinals are short on both impact starters and reliable depth pieces.
That much, though, was already known. What's new is the 34 players whom the Cardinals cut, along with two minor trades and four injury designations. Each move played a part in carving the group of 53 players that will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 on Sept. 13 — although waiver claims could tweak the picture this week.
For now, here are five key takeaways from the roster release.
The biggest news of the day came when the Cardinals placed veteran running back James Conner on injured reserve, ruling him out of the first four games. That much, though, has little to do with Jeremiyah Love. Conner didn't participate in 11-on-11 drills for all of camp, and hadn't practiced at all over the past week. His progression has simply taken longer than expected.
The notable part, for Love, is that the Cardinals opted to keep just three running backs in Conner's absence, as they traded away Corey Kiner and released Evan Hull.
#though
That much, though, was already known. What's new is the 34 players whom the Cardinals cut, along with two minor trades and four injury designations. Each move played a part in carving the group of 53 players that will face the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1 on Sept. 13 — although waiver claims could tweak the picture this week.
For now, here are five key takeaways from the roster release.
The biggest news of the day came when the Cardinals placed veteran running back James Conner on injured reserve, ruling him out of the first four games. That much, though, has little to do with Jeremiyah Love. Conner didn't participate in 11-on-11 drills for all of camp, and hadn't practiced at all over the past week. His progression has simply taken longer than expected.
The notable part, for Love, is that the Cardinals opted to keep just three running backs in Conner's absence, as they traded away Corey Kiner and released Evan Hull.
#though
4 days ago
Well, this is something to wake up to. According to The Athletic's David Ornstein, overnight Tottenham Hotspur and Everton reached an agreement to essentially swap attackers — bringing Ilman Ndiaye to Spurs, with Richarlison returning to Everton heading the other direction. This is NOT a true swap deal; these will be treated as separate transfers.
In yesterday's post-match press conference, Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi essentially told us that Richarlison asked to leave Spurs for a new challenge. I just didn't realize it would all go down so quickly. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Ndiaye will cost Spurs about £60m, with Richarlison heading the other direction for a fee of £35m, making the outlay a lot lower than most transfers that Spurs have brought in this summer.
Ndiaye, 26, is a French fooballer who has declared for and plays international football for Senegal. He's been used primarily on the left wing for Everton, but can also play centrally or on the right. He's NOT a striker but could be implemented as a #10 if needed. Ndiaye likes to be on the ball and frequently prefers to take on and dribble past his defenders, which frequently turns into touches in the penalty area and shots. He likes to cut inside from the flank and is also comfortable receiving the ball deeper as a ball progression outlet. His acquisition means that Spurs will essentially only have three first team strikers on the books — Omar Marmoush, Dominic Solanke, and Dane Scarlett — but Ndiaye will fortify Spurs' attacking midfield options. His preferred position at Everton will put him in competition with Mathys Tel and Savinho, but his positional flexibility means he could be an ***** et elsewhere as well. He's also a willing presser and capable of putting in defensive work to make tackles. Despite maybe hinting otherwise yesterday, I'm kind of a fan of this deal.
As for Richarlison… well, I'm sad. He's probably my favorite Spurs player (non-Sonny edition) of this era. He's a vibes guy who always seemed to lift the mood, and it's clear he loved Spurs. But it's just as clear that he's not happy here anymore, and as his career starts to wind down a return to the club that lifted him to stardom feels like the closing of the circle. Everton fans love him as much as we do, and I can't begrudge them, or him, this move. It feels like the right choice.
What do you think of this deal? Can Spurs get it across the line before the window closes on September 2?
#everton #ndiaye
In yesterday's post-match press conference, Spurs head coach Roberto De Zerbi essentially told us that Richarlison asked to leave Spurs for a new challenge. I just didn't realize it would all go down so quickly. According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Ndiaye will cost Spurs about £60m, with Richarlison heading the other direction for a fee of £35m, making the outlay a lot lower than most transfers that Spurs have brought in this summer.
Ndiaye, 26, is a French fooballer who has declared for and plays international football for Senegal. He's been used primarily on the left wing for Everton, but can also play centrally or on the right. He's NOT a striker but could be implemented as a #10 if needed. Ndiaye likes to be on the ball and frequently prefers to take on and dribble past his defenders, which frequently turns into touches in the penalty area and shots. He likes to cut inside from the flank and is also comfortable receiving the ball deeper as a ball progression outlet. His acquisition means that Spurs will essentially only have three first team strikers on the books — Omar Marmoush, Dominic Solanke, and Dane Scarlett — but Ndiaye will fortify Spurs' attacking midfield options. His preferred position at Everton will put him in competition with Mathys Tel and Savinho, but his positional flexibility means he could be an ***** et elsewhere as well. He's also a willing presser and capable of putting in defensive work to make tackles. Despite maybe hinting otherwise yesterday, I'm kind of a fan of this deal.
As for Richarlison… well, I'm sad. He's probably my favorite Spurs player (non-Sonny edition) of this era. He's a vibes guy who always seemed to lift the mood, and it's clear he loved Spurs. But it's just as clear that he's not happy here anymore, and as his career starts to wind down a return to the club that lifted him to stardom feels like the closing of the circle. Everton fans love him as much as we do, and I can't begrudge them, or him, this move. It feels like the right choice.
What do you think of this deal? Can Spurs get it across the line before the window closes on September 2?
#everton #ndiaye
5 days ago
On August 13, Celcuity (NASDAQ:CELC) walked investors through a quarter unlike any in the company's history. The clinical-stage biotech is no longer just clinical: its breast cancer drug Revtopik won FDA approval on July 14, and the call was built around how the company plans to turn that approval into an actual business. The tone was confident, but the numbers underneath told a more complicated story about what launching a first drug really costs.
The regulatory news alone stood out. The FDA approved Revtopik on July 14 for patients with HR positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer without a PIK3CA mutation who had progressed on prior endocrine therapy. Less than three weeks later, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended both the Revtopik triplet and doublet as preferred Category 1 options for second-line treatment, a fast endorsement suggesting oncologists see real value here.
That value shows up in the data. In the PIK3CA mutant cohort of the VIKTORIA-1 trial, the gedatolisib triplet produced a median progression-free survival of 11.1 months versus 5.6 months for alpelisib plus fulvestrant, cutting the risk of progression or death in half. Just 5.2% of triplet patients and 3.8% of doublet patients stopped treatment due to side effects, compared to 19% on alpelisib. CEO Sullivan said that 4% to 5% range "best represents what we expect to see in a real world setting," a detail that matters because patients who stay on a drug longer generate more revenue over time.
Celcuity is not stopping at second-line treatment either. The VIKTORIA-2 trial has been expanded to test gedatolisib in treatment-naive, endocrine-sensitive patients, a group that makes up roughly two-thirds of newly diagnosed advanced breast cancer cases each year. That bet is backed by earlier Phase 1b data showing a median progression-free survival of 48.6 months, nearly double the roughly 25 months typical of current standard of care. Commercially, the company says its 80-person oncology sales team, averaging 24 years of experience, is fully built, backed by $754 million in cash management expects to last into 2029.
Turning that approval into revenue has been expensive. Net loss widened to $78.9 million, or $1.44 per share, for the quarter, compared to a loss of $45.3 million a year earlier. Selling, general, and administrative expenses jumped $27.4 million to $35 million, driven mostly by hiring the commercial team needed to support the launch. Celcuity has not shipped a single vial yet, with shipments not expected to begin until late in the third quarter of 2026.
#cancer #months #quarter
The regulatory news alone stood out. The FDA approved Revtopik on July 14 for patients with HR positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer without a PIK3CA mutation who had progressed on prior endocrine therapy. Less than three weeks later, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommended both the Revtopik triplet and doublet as preferred Category 1 options for second-line treatment, a fast endorsement suggesting oncologists see real value here.
That value shows up in the data. In the PIK3CA mutant cohort of the VIKTORIA-1 trial, the gedatolisib triplet produced a median progression-free survival of 11.1 months versus 5.6 months for alpelisib plus fulvestrant, cutting the risk of progression or death in half. Just 5.2% of triplet patients and 3.8% of doublet patients stopped treatment due to side effects, compared to 19% on alpelisib. CEO Sullivan said that 4% to 5% range "best represents what we expect to see in a real world setting," a detail that matters because patients who stay on a drug longer generate more revenue over time.
Celcuity is not stopping at second-line treatment either. The VIKTORIA-2 trial has been expanded to test gedatolisib in treatment-naive, endocrine-sensitive patients, a group that makes up roughly two-thirds of newly diagnosed advanced breast cancer cases each year. That bet is backed by earlier Phase 1b data showing a median progression-free survival of 48.6 months, nearly double the roughly 25 months typical of current standard of care. Commercially, the company says its 80-person oncology sales team, averaging 24 years of experience, is fully built, backed by $754 million in cash management expects to last into 2029.
Turning that approval into revenue has been expensive. Net loss widened to $78.9 million, or $1.44 per share, for the quarter, compared to a loss of $45.3 million a year earlier. Selling, general, and administrative expenses jumped $27.4 million to $35 million, driven mostly by hiring the commercial team needed to support the launch. Celcuity has not shipped a single vial yet, with shipments not expected to begin until late in the third quarter of 2026.
#cancer #months #quarter
5 days ago
The Scottish Premiership returns for 10 clubs this weekend after only two sides played last time out.
Five clubs were given more time to prepare for European play-off fixtures and, while Hearts succeeded in their task of progression, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell all missed out on the Conference League.
Celtic crumbled in the second leg of their Champions League play-off against LASK, although they have the compensation of still being in Europe in the Europa League.
Those midweek results beg questions before Saturday and Sunday's games.
Celtic face Benfica & Hearts meet Trabzonspor
#play #scottish
Five clubs were given more time to prepare for European play-off fixtures and, while Hearts succeeded in their task of progression, Rangers, Hibernian and Motherwell all missed out on the Conference League.
Celtic crumbled in the second leg of their Champions League play-off against LASK, although they have the compensation of still being in Europe in the Europa League.
Those midweek results beg questions before Saturday and Sunday's games.
Celtic face Benfica & Hearts meet Trabzonspor
#play #scottish
7 days ago
On August 13, Capricor Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CAPR) held its second-quarter earnings call, just over two weeks after an FDA advisory committee voted 3 to 9 against the company's bid to treat cardiomyopathy in ****** nne muscular dystrophy patients on July 29. That rejection forced a strategic pivot. Management now plans to amend its Biologics License Application to pursue a narrower upper limb skeletal muscle indication, the same measure that carried the HOPE-3 trial's primary endpoint. The shift extends the regulatory timeline, but it also puts the spotlight back on the data that held up best.
Deramiocel's case still rests on real numbers. The HOPE-3 primary endpoint showed a statistically significant slowing of upper limb disease progression, with a 4.5% mean difference favoring the drug and a p-value of 0.029. During a separate advisory committee discussion, feedback on upper limb function was described as directionally supportive of that evidence. The cardiomyopathy subgroup's ejection fraction data held too, showing a 2.8 percentage point treatment difference at a p-value of 0.02, unchanged from the original ****** ysis.
Safety data spans more than 1,300 intravenous infusions across over 200 patients in three clinical trials, with more than 80 patients enrolled in open-label extension studies, some receiving infusions for over five years. The full HOPE-3 data set was published in The Lancet in July following independent peer review. The FDA has indicated it will review the coming BLA amendment and extend the PDUFA date accordingly, and Capricor has already opened regulatory conversations in Europe and ****** an while its manufacturing facility in San Diego remains operational for a potential launch.
The financial picture moved the other direction. Cash and marketable securities fell to $237.9 million as of June 30, 2026, down from $318.1 million at the end of 2025. Second quarter net loss widened to $40.7 million, or $0.70 per share, compared to $25.9 million, or $0.57 per share, a year earlier, as operating expenses climbed to $42.9 million from $27.7 million. Research and development spending rose to $28.9 million and general and administrative costs jumped to $14.1 million from $5.7 million. The company booked zero revenue again.
Complicating matters, the left ventricular ejection fraction result across all patients was revised under the prespecified statistical model from a 2.4 percentage point difference at p=0.04 down to 1.8 percentage points at p=0.09, weakening a key secondary measure. An FDA Bioresearch Monitoring inspection in July produced a Form 483 with one observation. Non-Deramiocel pipeline work remains on hold, and the company's arbitration with NS Pharma over their distribution agreement isn't expected to begin until fall 2026.
#limb
Deramiocel's case still rests on real numbers. The HOPE-3 primary endpoint showed a statistically significant slowing of upper limb disease progression, with a 4.5% mean difference favoring the drug and a p-value of 0.029. During a separate advisory committee discussion, feedback on upper limb function was described as directionally supportive of that evidence. The cardiomyopathy subgroup's ejection fraction data held too, showing a 2.8 percentage point treatment difference at a p-value of 0.02, unchanged from the original ****** ysis.
Safety data spans more than 1,300 intravenous infusions across over 200 patients in three clinical trials, with more than 80 patients enrolled in open-label extension studies, some receiving infusions for over five years. The full HOPE-3 data set was published in The Lancet in July following independent peer review. The FDA has indicated it will review the coming BLA amendment and extend the PDUFA date accordingly, and Capricor has already opened regulatory conversations in Europe and ****** an while its manufacturing facility in San Diego remains operational for a potential launch.
The financial picture moved the other direction. Cash and marketable securities fell to $237.9 million as of June 30, 2026, down from $318.1 million at the end of 2025. Second quarter net loss widened to $40.7 million, or $0.70 per share, compared to $25.9 million, or $0.57 per share, a year earlier, as operating expenses climbed to $42.9 million from $27.7 million. Research and development spending rose to $28.9 million and general and administrative costs jumped to $14.1 million from $5.7 million. The company booked zero revenue again.
Complicating matters, the left ventricular ejection fraction result across all patients was revised under the prespecified statistical model from a 2.4 percentage point difference at p=0.04 down to 1.8 percentage points at p=0.09, weakening a key secondary measure. An FDA Bioresearch Monitoring inspection in July produced a Form 483 with one observation. Non-Deramiocel pipeline work remains on hold, and the company's arbitration with NS Pharma over their distribution agreement isn't expected to begin until fall 2026.
#limb
7 days ago
One of the most exciting players in the Juventus Next Gen team right now is Adin Licina, and he appears to be getting closer to breaking into Luciano Spalletti's first team. In recent times, players such as Kenan Yildiz and Fabio Miretti have progressed through the club's ranks and earned opportunities with the senior side, with more young players expected to follow.
Juventus have one of the best youth setups in Italian football, so the progression of young talents is not surprising. The Bianconeri have invested heavily in that area of the club, creating opportunities for promising players to develop and potentially reach the first team.
Licina and Yildiz are good friends, and both players arrived at Juventus after spells in the youth system of Bayern Munich. Licina has so far demonstrated that he could prove to be another impressive signing from the German club.
However, he could struggle to play regularly for Juventus' first team at this stage of his development, and Napoli are now showing interest in the midfielder. The Partenopei have been monitoring him closely since he moved to the Allianz Stadium this year and are working hard to convince him to join them.
(Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
#yildiz
Juventus have one of the best youth setups in Italian football, so the progression of young talents is not surprising. The Bianconeri have invested heavily in that area of the club, creating opportunities for promising players to develop and potentially reach the first team.
Licina and Yildiz are good friends, and both players arrived at Juventus after spells in the youth system of Bayern Munich. Licina has so far demonstrated that he could prove to be another impressive signing from the German club.
However, he could struggle to play regularly for Juventus' first team at this stage of his development, and Napoli are now showing interest in the midfielder. The Partenopei have been monitoring him closely since he moved to the Allianz Stadium this year and are working hard to convince him to join them.
(Photo by Jess Hornby/Getty Images)
#yildiz
8 days ago
When seen from the safe, comfortable vantage point of the living room sofa, it all seems so simple. Frank Mir was a UFC heavyweight champion with a long, decorated career in fight sports. His daughter Bella, being of his genetic lineage, also seemed to have some natural aptitude for the mixing of the martial arts, so it was only a matter of time until we saw her on the way to the UFC.
So when some people see her fighting on this Tuesday's edition of Dana White's Contender Series, they might think nothing of it. Pure logical progression, right? You'd think so, at least, if you've never spoken to a professional fighter about this very issue.
Many years ago I was having drinks with what you might call a mid-level UFC fighter whose wife had recently given birth to their first child. I offered my congratulations, like you do, and then without thinking much about it made an offhand remark about how maybe one day I'd cover one of his son's UFC fights the same way I'd covered the father's.
What I remember now is the look he gave me before he told me, in a tone of voice that said there was to be no joking on this subject, "That's honestly my worst nightmare."
Since I learn nothing, a couple years later I made the same mistake with former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones. Standing around the gym in Albuquerque, making conversation, I asked which of his daughters had the best chance of becoming a champion fighter some day.
#champion
So when some people see her fighting on this Tuesday's edition of Dana White's Contender Series, they might think nothing of it. Pure logical progression, right? You'd think so, at least, if you've never spoken to a professional fighter about this very issue.
Many years ago I was having drinks with what you might call a mid-level UFC fighter whose wife had recently given birth to their first child. I offered my congratulations, like you do, and then without thinking much about it made an offhand remark about how maybe one day I'd cover one of his son's UFC fights the same way I'd covered the father's.
What I remember now is the look he gave me before he told me, in a tone of voice that said there was to be no joking on this subject, "That's honestly my worst nightmare."
Since I learn nothing, a couple years later I made the same mistake with former two-division UFC champion Jon Jones. Standing around the gym in Albuquerque, making conversation, I asked which of his daughters had the best chance of becoming a champion fighter some day.
#champion
9 days ago
LeBron James, the newest star for the Philadelphia 76ers, gained plenty of attention when he launched a YouTube channel focused on golf in August. If that wasn't enough of an indication, James is apparently far more into the sport than expected. He continued to put his love of the sport on display Tuesday, when it was announced James had teamed up with the PGA Tour to bring a new golf event to his hometown.
The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in Akron, Ohio, in 2027, per ESPN. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 and be played at the South Course at Firestone Country Club.
The event will be focused on helping kids see the benefits of golf. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will feature "amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program," per ESPN.
In a statement, James talked about the ways the sport can open doors and build relationships.
"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."
#Event #family #akron
The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will be played in Akron, Ohio, in 2027, per ESPN. The inaugural event will occur July 6 through July 7 and be played at the South Course at Firestone Country Club.
The event will be focused on helping kids see the benefits of golf. The LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational will feature "amateurs and pros from the tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program," per ESPN.
In a statement, James talked about the ways the sport can open doors and build relationships.
"Golf has become a passion of mine, and I've seen firsthand how the game can open doors, build relationships and create opportunities that many kids don't even know exist," James said in a statement. "This partnership with the PGA Tour gives my foundation a chance to introduce my I Promise students and more people to the game at a young age, support talented athletes chasing their dreams, and continue investing in the city of Akron that means everything to me."
#Event #family #akron
9 days ago
LeBron James and the PGA Tour have teamed up to announce the LeBron James Family Foundation Invitational, a two-day event at Firestone Country Club for underrepresented aspiring golfers.
The experience will connect students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE program with professional golfers who advanced through the PGA Tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program.
The inaugural event is scheduled for July 6-7, 2027. Firestone Country Club recently hosted its final Kaulig Companies Championship, which is moving to Newport Beach, California. Firestone had a 72-year run of hosting a PGA Tour event, notably the Bridgestone Invitational that Tiger Woods dominated for much of the 2000s and 2010s.
"For many years, PGA Tour events at Firestone have been a staple of our community, benefitting our hometown and bringing people together," said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "With this event, we're excited to not only support more diverse golfers getting into the game, but to also expose our I PROMISE students and more youth in Akron to the world of possibilities that golf opens up."
James recently launched a YouTube channel as he brings people along his own golf journey. This new partnership is aimed at opening some doors to the game of golf that some might not have previously had to the same degree.
#james #firestone #golf
The experience will connect students in the LeBron James Family Foundation's I PROMISE program with professional golfers who advanced through the PGA Tour's Pathway to Progression Pro-Bound Five program.
The inaugural event is scheduled for July 6-7, 2027. Firestone Country Club recently hosted its final Kaulig Companies Championship, which is moving to Newport Beach, California. Firestone had a 72-year run of hosting a PGA Tour event, notably the Bridgestone Invitational that Tiger Woods dominated for much of the 2000s and 2010s.
"For many years, PGA Tour events at Firestone have been a staple of our community, benefitting our hometown and bringing people together," said Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. "With this event, we're excited to not only support more diverse golfers getting into the game, but to also expose our I PROMISE students and more youth in Akron to the world of possibilities that golf opens up."
James recently launched a YouTube channel as he brings people along his own golf journey. This new partnership is aimed at opening some doors to the game of golf that some might not have previously had to the same degree.
#james #firestone #golf
9 days ago
AstraZeneca PLC (NYSE:AZN) is paying $600 million upfront to secure global rights to Zegfrovy from Dizal Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, adding another targeted therapy to one of the pharmaceutical industry's largest oncology portfolios. Dizal Pharmaceutical could receive an additional $900 million if specified development, regulatory, and sales milestones are achieved, bringing the agreement's potential value to $1.5 billion. Dizal will also receive tiered royalties on the global sales of Zegfrovy.
Zegfrovy, also known as sunvozertinib, is an oral treatment approved in the United States and China for certain adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Under the agreement, AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) will take responsibility for the treatment's global development and commercialisation.
For AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) shareholders, the transaction offers an opportunity to ****** s whether another targeted lung-cancer medicine can reinforce the company's oncology leadership, or whether the price adds further execution risk to an already extensive pipeline.
The agreement strengthens AstraZeneca's (NYSE:AZN) position in a therapeutic area where it already has substantial scientific and commercial experience. The company has built a major lung-cancer business around treatments including Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Enhertu. That existing infrastructure could help AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) introduce Zegfrovy to physicians and patients more efficiently than a smaller developer with a limited global presence.
Zegfrovy also addresses a specific group of patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, for whom treatment options remain limited. In the Phase III WU-KONG28 trial, Zegfrovy produced median progression-free survival of 10.3 months, compared with 7.5 months for chemotherapy. AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) therefore gains an approved medicine supported by late-stage comparative evidence rather than an early experimental ****** et whose clinical viability remains largely unknown.
#lung #egfr
Zegfrovy, also known as sunvozertinib, is an oral treatment approved in the United States and China for certain adults with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, whose disease has progressed on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Under the agreement, AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) will take responsibility for the treatment's global development and commercialisation.
For AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) shareholders, the transaction offers an opportunity to ****** s whether another targeted lung-cancer medicine can reinforce the company's oncology leadership, or whether the price adds further execution risk to an already extensive pipeline.
The agreement strengthens AstraZeneca's (NYSE:AZN) position in a therapeutic area where it already has substantial scientific and commercial experience. The company has built a major lung-cancer business around treatments including Tagrisso, Imfinzi, and Enhertu. That existing infrastructure could help AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) introduce Zegfrovy to physicians and patients more efficiently than a smaller developer with a limited global presence.
Zegfrovy also addresses a specific group of patients with EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations, for whom treatment options remain limited. In the Phase III WU-KONG28 trial, Zegfrovy produced median progression-free survival of 10.3 months, compared with 7.5 months for chemotherapy. AstraZeneca (NYSE:AZN) therefore gains an approved medicine supported by late-stage comparative evidence rather than an early experimental ****** et whose clinical viability remains largely unknown.
#lung #egfr
10 days ago
Nottingham Forest are firmly in the picture for Marc Casado, with TeamTalk reporting that the Premier League club are currently leading the race for the Barcelona midfielder.
The 22-year-old is understood to be weighing up his future after finding opportunities limited under Hansi Flick. Casado started only 10 games last season, and there is now a growing acceptance that a fresh move could suit all parties. Forest's interest appears serious, timely and potentially well aligned with the player's own priorities.
Casado remains highly regarded at Barcelona, but the situation has shifted. The report states the Catalan club are ready to let him explore a transfer, while his standing has been further affected by a symbolic detail, his No.17 shirt has been given to Anthony Gordon. For any player, that sends a message.
According to the report, Casado now feels "a change of club is the best option for his development". That line matters, because it points to a player seeking clarity, minutes and progression, rather than simply a move for status.
There has been no shortage of interest. Manchester City's wider ownership model and Chelsea's multi-club structure both looked into a deal earlier this summer. However, "Casado rejected that route because he felt it would be too similar to the situation he is trying to escape from at Barcelona." In short, he wants certainty.
#club
The 22-year-old is understood to be weighing up his future after finding opportunities limited under Hansi Flick. Casado started only 10 games last season, and there is now a growing acceptance that a fresh move could suit all parties. Forest's interest appears serious, timely and potentially well aligned with the player's own priorities.
Casado remains highly regarded at Barcelona, but the situation has shifted. The report states the Catalan club are ready to let him explore a transfer, while his standing has been further affected by a symbolic detail, his No.17 shirt has been given to Anthony Gordon. For any player, that sends a message.
According to the report, Casado now feels "a change of club is the best option for his development". That line matters, because it points to a player seeking clarity, minutes and progression, rather than simply a move for status.
There has been no shortage of interest. Manchester City's wider ownership model and Chelsea's multi-club structure both looked into a deal earlier this summer. However, "Casado rejected that route because he felt it would be too similar to the situation he is trying to escape from at Barcelona." In short, he wants certainty.
#club
11 days ago
In an unexpected development, Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff will not need surgery to repair the anterior capsule in his right shoulder.
Woodruff, 33, expected to undergo surgery this month, which would have been the second procedure performed on his shoulder in three years. Yet after undergoing new four-week imaging scans and consulting with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, surgery was not recommended, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg.
Instead, Woodruff will begin a five-week throwing progression and continue plyometric work as part of his rehabilitation.
Despite the encouraging news. the nine-year veteran is still unlikely to return for the Brewers' upcoming postseason run. Brewers manager Pat Murphy is hoping there's a chance, but acknowledged the uphill climb Woodruff faces.
"I think there's a low possibility, but I think there's a possibility," Murphy told MLB.com's Casey Drottar.
#murphy
Woodruff, 33, expected to undergo surgery this month, which would have been the second procedure performed on his shoulder in three years. Yet after undergoing new four-week imaging scans and consulting with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Keith Meister, surgery was not recommended, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Curt Hogg.
Instead, Woodruff will begin a five-week throwing progression and continue plyometric work as part of his rehabilitation.
Despite the encouraging news. the nine-year veteran is still unlikely to return for the Brewers' upcoming postseason run. Brewers manager Pat Murphy is hoping there's a chance, but acknowledged the uphill climb Woodruff faces.
"I think there's a low possibility, but I think there's a possibility," Murphy told MLB.com's Casey Drottar.
#murphy
12 days ago
The Steelers' crowded house at quarterback may now have reason to become less crowded.
Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025 who performed well in his NFL debut a week ago, threw two interceptions on Friday night in a 17-0 loss to the Jets.
For the night, Howard completed 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards in four drives. The two efforts that didn't end in turnovers were three-and-outs.
"I felt really comfortable in the pocket," Howard said after the game, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "I felt like I was going through my progressions well, especially early first and second down, and felt good about how I played, but those two turnovers will really, really make it sour."
Howard took the blame for the misfires.
#felt #crowded
Will Howard, a sixth-round pick in 2025 who performed well in his NFL debut a week ago, threw two interceptions on Friday night in a 17-0 loss to the Jets.
For the night, Howard completed 10 of 15 passes for 74 yards in four drives. The two efforts that didn't end in turnovers were three-and-outs.
"I felt really comfortable in the pocket," Howard said after the game, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. "I felt like I was going through my progressions well, especially early first and second down, and felt good about how I played, but those two turnovers will really, really make it sour."
Howard took the blame for the misfires.
#felt #crowded
13 days ago
Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing is still working to return to the field, and despite early pessimism about his return behind the plate, he is set to start throwing progression.
Rushing has a slight tear in his UCL, leaving him unable to perform one of the key duties as a catcher: throwing the ball back to a pitcher and trying to pick off any steal attempts.
Initially, Dave Roberts said that Rushing was unlikely to play catcher for the Dodgers this year, and if he returned, it would be as a pinch hitter, giving them a slugging lefty off the bench.
"I would say it's very small. I hope I'm wrong," Roberts said a few weeks ago. "He's a tough kid, and so for him to go through this speaks a lot. … Certainly a possibility with the time, but we're certainly trying to keep the bat alive for sure."
Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
#catcher #angeles #roberts #return
Rushing has a slight tear in his UCL, leaving him unable to perform one of the key duties as a catcher: throwing the ball back to a pitcher and trying to pick off any steal attempts.
Initially, Dave Roberts said that Rushing was unlikely to play catcher for the Dodgers this year, and if he returned, it would be as a pinch hitter, giving them a slugging lefty off the bench.
"I would say it's very small. I hope I'm wrong," Roberts said a few weeks ago. "He's a tough kid, and so for him to go through this speaks a lot. … Certainly a possibility with the time, but we're certainly trying to keep the bat alive for sure."
Jun 2, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
#catcher #angeles #roberts #return
13 days ago
Aaron Judge took one step closer to playing a game in 2026 for the New York Yankees.
Two days after Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Judge would begin a "hitting progression" this week, Boone said Thursday, Aug. 20 that Judge has begun hitting off a tee.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 because of a stress fracture in his right rib.
MORE: Blue Jays infielder suddenly leaves game with hamstring injury
Prior to the injury, Judge had a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .907 OPS, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 59 MLB games.
#aaron #yankees #injury
Two days after Yankees manager Aaron Boone told reporters that Judge would begin a "hitting progression" this week, Boone said Thursday, Aug. 20 that Judge has begun hitting off a tee.
Judge has been sidelined since May 31 because of a stress fracture in his right rib.
MORE: Blue Jays infielder suddenly leaves game with hamstring injury
Prior to the injury, Judge had a .248 batting average, .375 on-base percentage, .907 OPS, 17 home runs and 38 RBIs across 59 MLB games.
#aaron #yankees #injury
14 days ago
Mendoza Mania, Round 2.
Las Vegas Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will likely get his second crack at NFL competition on Thursday, Aug. 20. The Raiders will take on the Houston Texans in both teams' second – and penultimate – preseason game. Both teams are still seeking their first exhibition win.
Mendoza had a solid preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 – even if he felt otherwise. His final line was 10-for-16 (62.5% completion rate) with 97 passing yards and a throwing touchdown. On the game's film, he proved he was able to adjust well to the heightened game speed of the NFL after a four-year college career. Mendoza made some nice throws with good ball placement, and he managed to read through his progressions quickly and with generally good decision-making.
Despite his impressive box score numbers, he said after the game he was disappointed with his first outing.
"Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today," Mendoza said. "But it's a growing experience ... and it showed me I need to grow a lot."
#first
Las Vegas Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will likely get his second crack at NFL competition on Thursday, Aug. 20. The Raiders will take on the Houston Texans in both teams' second – and penultimate – preseason game. Both teams are still seeking their first exhibition win.
Mendoza had a solid preseason debut against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1 – even if he felt otherwise. His final line was 10-for-16 (62.5% completion rate) with 97 passing yards and a throwing touchdown. On the game's film, he proved he was able to adjust well to the heightened game speed of the NFL after a four-year college career. Mendoza made some nice throws with good ball placement, and he managed to read through his progressions quickly and with generally good decision-making.
Despite his impressive box score numbers, he said after the game he was disappointed with his first outing.
"Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today," Mendoza said. "But it's a growing experience ... and it showed me I need to grow a lot."
#first
14 days ago
Sandra Bullock is opening up about the loss of her longtime partner, Bryan Randall, for the first time since his death in August 2023.
Randall — a model-turned-photographer — met Bullock in 2015 after she hired him to photograph her son Louis' fifth birthday party. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2020.
ALS is a progressive nervous system disease in which the brain gradually loses its connection with the muscles, taking away a person's ability to walk, talk, eat and, eventually, breathe. There is currently no cure or treatment that halts progression.
Bullock, 62, recalled the "traumatic diagnosis" in the forthcoming episode of the Smartless podcast, which is currently available to SiriusXM early access subscribers.
"I wasn't allowed to speak about it. That was [his] request and I tried — I honored it," Bullock told hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
#randall #louis #siriusxm
Randall — a model-turned-photographer — met Bullock in 2015 after she hired him to photograph her son Louis' fifth birthday party. He was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2020.
ALS is a progressive nervous system disease in which the brain gradually loses its connection with the muscles, taking away a person's ability to walk, talk, eat and, eventually, breathe. There is currently no cure or treatment that halts progression.
Bullock, 62, recalled the "traumatic diagnosis" in the forthcoming episode of the Smartless podcast, which is currently available to SiriusXM early access subscribers.
"I wasn't allowed to speak about it. That was [his] request and I tried — I honored it," Bullock told hosts Jason Bateman, Will Arnett and Sean Hayes.
#randall #louis #siriusxm
15 days ago
The New York Yankees need Aaron Judge back in the lineup if they want to have any chance of making a deep run this season in the postseason.
While he doesn't currently have a timeline for a return, progress has been made.
On Tuesday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared that Judge will begin a hitting progression this week. The Athletic's Chris Kirschner shared the news on X.
"Aaron Judge will begin his hitting progression this week, Boone said," Kirschner wrote on X.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#aaron
While he doesn't currently have a timeline for a return, progress has been made.
On Tuesday, Yankees manager Aaron Boone shared that Judge will begin a hitting progression this week. The Athletic's Chris Kirschner shared the news on X.
"Aaron Judge will begin his hitting progression this week, Boone said," Kirschner wrote on X.
Looking for the perfect gift for a baseball player in your life? Check out our brand new baseball lifestyle brand!
#aaron
15 days ago
Martin O'Neill's side will make the trip to Ibrox for a 12pm kick-off, with Premier Sports broadcasting the Glasgow derby live.
The Hoops booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Goals from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren sealed Celtic's progression before they were handed an away tie against Rangers in the quarter-final draw.
The fixture will now form the first half of a huge derby double-header for Celtic.
O'Neill's side welcome Rangers to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership just seven days later on Sunday, September 20.
#side
The Hoops booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday.
Goals from Auston Trusty, Camilo Duran, Sebastian Tounekti and Benjamin Nygren sealed Celtic's progression before they were handed an away tie against Rangers in the quarter-final draw.
The fixture will now form the first half of a huge derby double-header for Celtic.
O'Neill's side welcome Rangers to Celtic Park in the Scottish Premiership just seven days later on Sunday, September 20.
#side
16 days ago
For the Los Angeles Rams, the biggest surprise coming into the season was their rapid improvement within the outside linebacker room. Already entering with two-time Pro Bowler Jared Verse, the team used picks and the player to acquire Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett in a blockbuster trade.
In the meantime, Pro Bowler Byron Young has looked great, while Josaiah Stewart took massive strides in the offseason with his development. After their first preseason game, it's becoming apparent that they have tremendous depth within the room, with overlooked players such as Keir Thomas and Desjuan Johnson pushing for more playing time.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke about the depth and progression of the room on Monday.
"I thought they did a good job," said McVay. "I thought Keir and 'Des' made their presence felt. I thought 'D.P.' [Darryl Peterson III] and also Wes Bailey did a good job. Joe Coniglio does a great job with that group as a whole and they got some great guys to be able to learn from with 'B.Y.', obviously Myles and his mentorship here, and I think Josaiah Stewart's taking tremendous strides."
"It'd be great to be able to get him back out there once he's feeling good. I was pleased with those four guys. They did a really nice job the other day and we'll look forward to getting Tomon Fox; he had a little situation he had to deal with with his family. Tomon will be a good one to be able to see him get some more action against the Saints this coming week."
#great #keir #mcvay
In the meantime, Pro Bowler Byron Young has looked great, while Josaiah Stewart took massive strides in the offseason with his development. After their first preseason game, it's becoming apparent that they have tremendous depth within the room, with overlooked players such as Keir Thomas and Desjuan Johnson pushing for more playing time.
Head coach Sean McVay spoke about the depth and progression of the room on Monday.
"I thought they did a good job," said McVay. "I thought Keir and 'Des' made their presence felt. I thought 'D.P.' [Darryl Peterson III] and also Wes Bailey did a good job. Joe Coniglio does a great job with that group as a whole and they got some great guys to be able to learn from with 'B.Y.', obviously Myles and his mentorship here, and I think Josaiah Stewart's taking tremendous strides."
"It'd be great to be able to get him back out there once he's feeling good. I was pleased with those four guys. They did a really nice job the other day and we'll look forward to getting Tomon Fox; he had a little situation he had to deal with with his family. Tomon will be a good one to be able to see him get some more action against the Saints this coming week."
#great #keir #mcvay
16 days ago
As far as preseason performances go, the Carolina Panthers' showing in Buffalo on Saturday couldn't have gone much worse.
The 29-14 loss looked rougher on the field than it did on the scoreboard, as both starting units faltered throughout the first quarter. Carolina's already-battered offensive line couldn't do much for the ground game—as running backs Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne and Miles Davis all averaged fewer than 2.0 yards per carry.
Quarterback Bryce Young also suffered as a result of the make-do trench, as he was often hurried through his progressions and wound up completing three of his five passes for 18 yards. As a whole, the starting offense went three and out, three and out and three and out on all three of their possessions.
If this is how the 2026 season is going to go, the Panthers could make a huge mistake and wind up blaming Young for their issues. In ESPN's new Future Power Rankings, ***** yst Louis Riddick warned them against this:
Quarterback Bryce Young had some singularly great games in 2025 (see: Week 13 win over the Rams) when he showed he was cool under pressure. He needs help to continue his development trajectory, but 2026 could be rough given the health of the offensive line and lack of a dependable WR2 behind McMillan. That could cause the organization to ***** ign the blame to Young, and I think that would be inappropriate.
#three #panthers #quarterback #line
The 29-14 loss looked rougher on the field than it did on the scoreboard, as both starting units faltered throughout the first quarter. Carolina's already-battered offensive line couldn't do much for the ground game—as running backs Jonathon Brooks, Trevor Etienne and Miles Davis all averaged fewer than 2.0 yards per carry.
Quarterback Bryce Young also suffered as a result of the make-do trench, as he was often hurried through his progressions and wound up completing three of his five passes for 18 yards. As a whole, the starting offense went three and out, three and out and three and out on all three of their possessions.
If this is how the 2026 season is going to go, the Panthers could make a huge mistake and wind up blaming Young for their issues. In ESPN's new Future Power Rankings, ***** yst Louis Riddick warned them against this:
Quarterback Bryce Young had some singularly great games in 2025 (see: Week 13 win over the Rams) when he showed he was cool under pressure. He needs help to continue his development trajectory, but 2026 could be rough given the health of the offensive line and lack of a dependable WR2 behind McMillan. That could cause the organization to ***** ign the blame to Young, and I think that would be inappropriate.
#three #panthers #quarterback #line
16 days ago
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington received a huge nod of confidence from ESPN as they issued their 2026 NFL Future Power Rankings. In the rankings, which project team success from 2027 through 2029, ***** yst Seth Walder offered a high-upside prediction for Pittsburgh's towering third-year tight end, Darnell Washington.
Despite playing behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart, Washington's underlying efficiency metrics suggest a massive breakout awaits as his role expands.
"Bold prediction for 2027-29: Tight end Darnell Washington will make the top 10 in Jeremy Fowler's annual survey of coaches and executives on the best players at every position," wrote Walder for ESPN. "He might be the Steelers' No. 2 tight end at the moment, but Washington averaged 1.9 yards per route run last season and was in the 83rd percentile among tight ends in run block win rate. Tight end is a position where players can develop slowly, so he has plenty of time to increase his role."
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 264 pounds, the Georgia product was drafted primarily for his formidable blocking ability. However, the data reveals a far more versatile weapon. Averaging 1.9 yards per route run places Washington among efficient pass-catchers, while his 83rd percentile mark in run block win rate demonstrates his elite utility in heavy formations.
Because tight ends traditionally require longer developmental ramps to master both inline blocking and complex route trees, Washington's steady statistical progression bodes well for his future.
#steelers
Despite playing behind Pat Freiermuth on the depth chart, Washington's underlying efficiency metrics suggest a massive breakout awaits as his role expands.
"Bold prediction for 2027-29: Tight end Darnell Washington will make the top 10 in Jeremy Fowler's annual survey of coaches and executives on the best players at every position," wrote Walder for ESPN. "He might be the Steelers' No. 2 tight end at the moment, but Washington averaged 1.9 yards per route run last season and was in the 83rd percentile among tight ends in run block win rate. Tight end is a position where players can develop slowly, so he has plenty of time to increase his role."
Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 264 pounds, the Georgia product was drafted primarily for his formidable blocking ability. However, the data reveals a far more versatile weapon. Averaging 1.9 yards per route run places Washington among efficient pass-catchers, while his 83rd percentile mark in run block win rate demonstrates his elite utility in heavy formations.
Because tight ends traditionally require longer developmental ramps to master both inline blocking and complex route trees, Washington's steady statistical progression bodes well for his future.
#steelers
19 days ago
LOS ANGELES — The Dodgers traded for Tarik Skubal to pair with Yoshinobu Yamamoto atop the depth chart. Blake Snell returned from three months on the injured list with 10 strikeouts in six strong innings on Tuesday.
Tyler Glasnow struck out eight for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday in his third rehab start, and is expected to start once more in the minors before returning to Los Angeles. Couple that with Shohei Ohtani likely available to pitch in October in some capacity, the Dodgers could have an even stronger pitching foundation than last season, when they rode a stellar quartet to a ***** le.
Gavin Stone is another Dodgers starting pitcher rehabbing in Triple-A, but is also nearly two years removed from his last major league start. Stone led the Dodgers with 25 starts and 140 1/3 innings pitched that season, but didn't pitch past August and has been sidelined since following major shoulder surgery that October that repaired a capsule tear and partial labrum/rotator cuff damage.
Stone has allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings in his two starts so far for Oklahoma City, striking out eight of his 18 batters faced. That included five strikeouts in three innings on Thursday.
While Stone might be far down the depth chart this season, the Dodgers are keeping their options open with him, continuing a starter's progression while on rehab.
#innings #start #season #triple
Tyler Glasnow struck out eight for Triple-A Oklahoma City on Friday in his third rehab start, and is expected to start once more in the minors before returning to Los Angeles. Couple that with Shohei Ohtani likely available to pitch in October in some capacity, the Dodgers could have an even stronger pitching foundation than last season, when they rode a stellar quartet to a ***** le.
Gavin Stone is another Dodgers starting pitcher rehabbing in Triple-A, but is also nearly two years removed from his last major league start. Stone led the Dodgers with 25 starts and 140 1/3 innings pitched that season, but didn't pitch past August and has been sidelined since following major shoulder surgery that October that repaired a capsule tear and partial labrum/rotator cuff damage.
Stone has allowed two runs in 4 2/3 innings in his two starts so far for Oklahoma City, striking out eight of his 18 batters faced. That included five strikeouts in three innings on Thursday.
While Stone might be far down the depth chart this season, the Dodgers are keeping their options open with him, continuing a starter's progression while on rehab.
#innings #start #season #triple
21 days ago
Ligue 1 is renowned for providing young players with the opportunity to develop their skills in an elite-level environment.
This landscape has made French football an enticing landing spot for American players seeking to progress their careers. Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, Tanner Tessmann, and Mark McKenzie are perfect examples of the pathway that exists for US talents in France.
Read the full article by subscribing to Ensemble PSG on Substack
With that in mind, we ******* s why more American players should consider France as a natural development step in their career progression.
Joining a big club in England, Spain, or Germany is the dream for many American players, but heading down that route is fraught with danger. Clubs in their top-flight leagues are not averse to giving young players opportunities, but not to the same extent as their French counterparts.
#young #timothy
This landscape has made French football an enticing landing spot for American players seeking to progress their careers. Timothy Weah, Folarin Balogun, Tanner Tessmann, and Mark McKenzie are perfect examples of the pathway that exists for US talents in France.
Read the full article by subscribing to Ensemble PSG on Substack
With that in mind, we ******* s why more American players should consider France as a natural development step in their career progression.
Joining a big club in England, Spain, or Germany is the dream for many American players, but heading down that route is fraught with danger. Clubs in their top-flight leagues are not averse to giving young players opportunities, but not to the same extent as their French counterparts.
#young #timothy
21 days ago
Liverpool target Ibrahim Mbaye emerged as one of the most compelling subjects discussed by Dave Davis and Dr Phil Barts on the latest Transfer Market Metric podcast for Anfield Index, with pace, progression and work rate featuring prominently in their ***** sment.
Davis immediately made his feelings clear when introducing the 18 year old: "I like this kid." His enthusiasm centred particularly on Mbaye's acceleration, observing how "he will stand up his fullback and just burn him" and describing him as "exciting to watch".
Barts identified an attractive statistical combination in Mbaye's ability to advance possession.
"The beautiful mix he's got is he can progress the football by passing and carrying, right? is 96 percentile for carrying."
He added: "But he's also can pass it 83rd percentile progressively."
#percentile #Liverpool #mbaye #transfer
Davis immediately made his feelings clear when introducing the 18 year old: "I like this kid." His enthusiasm centred particularly on Mbaye's acceleration, observing how "he will stand up his fullback and just burn him" and describing him as "exciting to watch".
Barts identified an attractive statistical combination in Mbaye's ability to advance possession.
"The beautiful mix he's got is he can progress the football by passing and carrying, right? is 96 percentile for carrying."
He added: "But he's also can pass it 83rd percentile progressively."
#percentile #Liverpool #mbaye #transfer
22 days ago
Dana White has been closely involved in Bella Mir'sdevelopment for years.
The daughter of former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight ****** leholder Frank Mir isset to compete on Week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series 2026. White recently addressedher career progression and aspirations.
Bella (4-0) will fight for a UFC contract on DWCS on Aug. 25,against AlexApodaca (3-1), with the two bantamweights set to headline thecard. White was recently asked about the former and had nothing butpraise, revealing that he's been closely monitoring her career forfour years.
"Yeah, I'm very excited about Bella," White said at the DWCS 2026 Week 1 post-fight press conference. "I've been veryinvolved in her life the last four years."
Bella has previously revealed that she hopes to become the firstUFC fighter to compete in the Olympics while also pursuingchampionships across multiple combat sports. White confirmed thatthe unbeaten 23-year-old has expressed an interest in competing atthe 2028 Olympics while also targeting ****** les in the UFC, UFC BJJand Zuffa Boxing.
"Yeah, we've talked about it," White added. "I mean, she presentedthat to me."
The UFC CEO then revealed that he encouraged the young prospect toattend college rather than immediately turning professional afterhigh school, a decision that ultimately helped shape her wrestlingcareer.
"That was the goal, too, in college," White said. "Not just for herto get an education but to break some college records. She wouldenter these jiu-jitsu competitions and win them. You know, whileshe was only wrestling, not even doing jiu-jitsu. So, she'sspecial."
#dana
The daughter of former Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight ****** leholder Frank Mir isset to compete on Week 3 of Dana White's Contender Series 2026. White recently addressedher career progression and aspirations.
Bella (4-0) will fight for a UFC contract on DWCS on Aug. 25,against AlexApodaca (3-1), with the two bantamweights set to headline thecard. White was recently asked about the former and had nothing butpraise, revealing that he's been closely monitoring her career forfour years.
"Yeah, I'm very excited about Bella," White said at the DWCS 2026 Week 1 post-fight press conference. "I've been veryinvolved in her life the last four years."
Bella has previously revealed that she hopes to become the firstUFC fighter to compete in the Olympics while also pursuingchampionships across multiple combat sports. White confirmed thatthe unbeaten 23-year-old has expressed an interest in competing atthe 2028 Olympics while also targeting ****** les in the UFC, UFC BJJand Zuffa Boxing.
"Yeah, we've talked about it," White added. "I mean, she presentedthat to me."
The UFC CEO then revealed that he encouraged the young prospect toattend college rather than immediately turning professional afterhigh school, a decision that ultimately helped shape her wrestlingcareer.
"That was the goal, too, in college," White said. "Not just for herto get an education but to break some college records. She wouldenter these jiu-jitsu competitions and win them. You know, whileshe was only wrestling, not even doing jiu-jitsu. So, she'sspecial."
#dana
